What Are Devon Rexes Like to Live With?
Endlessly entertaining and genuinely devoted. Devons are active, playful, and highly social, and they crave company so much that they don’t do well alone for long. They’re clever, they climb, and they’ll insist on being wherever you are, often on you, since they’re notorious heat-seekers who love a warm lap.
That heat-seeking isn’t just personality: the coat is short, fine, and sparse, so Devons feel the cold more than most cats and genuinely appreciate a warm spot in winter. The coat needs little brushing, since it’s delicate and heavy brushing can damage it, but it comes with a couple of quirks below.
What Health Issues Are Common in the Devon Rex?
A few breed-specific things are worth knowing, most of them manageable with routine care.
- Skin and coat. That fine coat produces more skin oil than the sparse fur can wick away, so some Devons get greasy skin and waxy ear buildup and need gentle, regular cleaning of the ears and skin folds. It’s routine maintenance rather than a serious problem.
- Warmth. With so little coat, Devons chill easily. Keep them warm and cozy, especially in winter, and don’t be surprised when they burrow under the covers.
- A breed-specific muscle condition. Devons can inherit a rare muscle weakness sometimes called Devon Rex myopathy. It’s uncommon, but worth being aware of, and any weakness, difficulty holding the head up, or trouble swallowing should be checked promptly.
- Kneecaps and hips. Patellar luxation and hip issues appear in the breed, showing up as a skip in the step or reluctance to jump.
- Heart. As with most breeds, HCM can occur, so routine checkups are worthwhile.
How Do I Keep My Devon Rex Healthy?
Keep the ears and skin clean, keep them warm, stay current on checkups, and give them the constant company they crave. Attend to those few breed-specific quirks, and a Devon Rex is one of the most entertaining companions you could ask for.